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Travel & Food

5 Places to Get Cocktails in Manila


Something a little different for those same nights and weekends



In a bustling metro like Manila, everyone yearns for the occasional respite from the stress, the noise and the hustle. Getting it within the city itself is possible, but sometimes, the run-of-the-mill bar just won’t cut it. What is there to do with great cocktails anyway when so many factors kill the ambiance and ruin the mood?


This is where the no-fail speakeasies, bars and restaurants in our roundup come in. Ahead, some of the best unkept Manila nightlife secrets that not only serve great food with equally excellent drinks, but give you the break you and your friends deserve.


Ocean’s Telephone Co.

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via pepper.ph


Make your way over to the second floor of cafe + kitchen Frank & Dean for one of Bonifacio Global City’s well-known yet inconspicuous bars.


Straight on, you’ll spot a series of red phonebooths (similar to those seen on the streets of London), with one leading to Ocean’s Telephone Co, the home of the Old Fashioned (P350), Midori Sour (P290), and Tom Collins (P320). Here, a different day means a different story: jazz fills the room on weekdays, for example, while contemporary hits make the main highlight on weekends.  


Location:Ground Floor, RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th and 25th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Operating Hours: 5PM to 3AM (Daily)

Mode of Payment: Cash and cards are accepted

Budget: P1,500 per head


The BonBon Club

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via Zomato


On to another low-key nightspot: The BonBon Club on Gallardo Street is the place to be for all things gin. The 007 Martini (P300), Negroni (P300), and Rose’s Gimlet (P300) are just some of the favorites at this laidback watering hole.


Location: 16 Tropical Palms, Gallardo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati

Operating Hours: Open from 4PM to 12AM (Monday to Thursday); 4PM to 2AM (Friday); 6PM to 2AM (Saturday), closed on Sundays

Mode of Payment: Cash only

Budget: P1,000 per head


The Curator



The Curator is best known for their Brew of the Day (P154), the do-not-dare-miss for any first timer at the coffee and cocktails shop. Visitors can opt for their signature daytime cocktails like the Amalfi Mule (P250) or the Amaretto Orange Juice (P250). Choices may be narrow and tightly curated, but don’t be fooled: each bite of the pastries and sandwiches at The Curator reaffirm that quality wins over quality.


Here’s a fun bonus: right behind the counter, you’ll find the Cyrano wine bar. With coffee, cocktails and the selection of wine, everyone, no doubt, can have a good time.


Location: 134 Legaspi corner Don Carlos Palanca Street, inside Cyrano Wine Bar, Legaspi Village, Makati

Operating Hours: 7AM to 7PM (Monday to Friday), 7AM to 1AM (Saturday & Sunday)

Mode of Payment: Cash and cards are accepted

Budget: P800 per head


Dulo


Located in the outskirts of Poblacion, Makati, Dulo is a café-by-day-bar-by-night kind of spot. Aside from its artsy, urban ambiance that music lovers and booze lovers alike can appreciate, Dulo has earned praise for its comfort food.


Location: 4922 P. Guanzon Street, Poblacion, Makati

Operating Hours: 8PM to 2AM (Monday to Saturday), closed on Sundays

Mode of Payment: Cash only

Budget: P500 to P600 per head


Tago Jazz Café


Tago Jazz Café is one of those hidden gems that make the trip to Quezon City worth it. What started as a residential space in Cubao, Tago, literally “hidden” in Filipino, slowly transformed into a hole-in-the-wall nightlife spot known among locals for its intimate setting, mouthwatering meals, crafted drinks and great music. The Chocolate Vodka (P140), Mojito (P140), and Orange Whip (P140) are must-try cocktails here.


Location: 14 Main Avenue Cubao, Quezon City

Operating Hours: 9PM to 3AM (Wednesday to Sunday), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Mode of Payment: Cash only

Budget: P500 to 700 per head


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Whether you pick one or hit up all, trust us when we say these places are a nice break from the playbook definition of a night out in Manila.



Art Alex Lara

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